Prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to e-cigarette use among students in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study
4 affiliations
- 1Ministry of Health
- 2Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, Kuwait University
- 3Department of Public Health Practice, College of Public Health, Kuwait University
- 4Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Kuwait University
Abstract
Background: The global increase in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use represents a significant public health concern, especially among young adults in high-income countries and the Middle East. Although e-cigarette use is rising in Kuwait, comprehensive data regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students are limited.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of e-cigarette use and identified demographic, social, and cognitive factors associated with its use among students in Kuwait.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2025 to February 2026 using a stratified one-stage cluster sampling method across public, private, and Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) institutions. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 550 students (57.3% male; mean age 20.89 years) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and patterns of e-cigarette use.
Results: Approximately 50.4% of participants reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 22.5% reported current daily use. Overall knowledge (42%) and attitude scores (47%) were low, reflecting limited awareness of risks and generally non-accepting attitudes. Ever-users demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and more permissive attitudes compared to non-users. Multivariable logistic regression identified having friends who use e-cigarettes as the strongest predictor of use (AOR = 4.53), followed by male gender (AOR = 3.70) and enrollment in PAAET or private universities.
Conclusion: The prevalence of e-cigarette use among Kuwaiti students is high relative to regional averages, primarily influenced by social and demographic factors. Public health interventions should extend beyond basic education to address the “knowledge-attitude paradox” and promote stricter regulations, including taxation and retail controls.
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BibTeX
@article{albarrak2026prevalence,
title = {{Prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to e-cigarette use among students in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study}},
author = {Fajer AlBarrak and Saleh Alsarhan and Maryam AlHamad and Qout Al-Mekhled and Jenan AlMatrouk and Sultan E. Alsalahi and Abdulaziz Alhenaidi},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1947592},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1947592/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to e-cigarette use among students in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study
AU - Fajer AlBarrak
AU - Saleh Alsarhan
AU - Maryam AlHamad
AU - Qout Al-Mekhled
AU - Jenan AlMatrouk
AU - Sultan E. Alsalahi
AU - Abdulaziz Alhenaidi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/08
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1947592
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1947592/full
AB - Background: The global increase in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use represents a significant public health concern, especially among young adults in high-income countries and the Middle East. Although e-cigarette use is rising in Kuwait, comprehensive data regarding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students are limited. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence of e-cigarette use and identified demographic, social, and cognitive factors associated with its use among students in Kuwait. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2025 to February 2026 using a stratified one-stage cluster sampling method across public, private, and Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) institutions. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 550 students (57.3% male; mean age 20.89 years) to assess knowledge, attitudes, and patterns of e-cigarette use. Results: Approximately 50.4% of participants reported ever using e-cigarettes, and 22.5% reported current daily use. Overall knowledge (42%) and attitude scores (47%) were low, reflecting limited awareness of risks and generally non-accepting attitudes. Ever-users demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and more permissive attitudes compared to non-users. Multivariable logistic regression identified having friends who use e-cigarettes as the strongest predictor of use (AOR = 4.53), followed by male gender (AOR = 3.70) and enrollment in PAAET or private universities. Conclusion: The prevalence of e-cigarette use among Kuwaiti students is high relative to regional averages, primarily influenced by social and demographic factors. Public health interventions should extend beyond basic education to address the “knowledge-attitude paradox” and promote stricter regulations, including taxation and retail controls.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -